Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence from Committee members.

These were received from Councillors Foggin and Wardle.

Councillors are reminded of the need to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests that relate to business on the agenda and which have not already been included in the register of interests, before any discussion takes place on the item. Unless the interest is sensitive, you must also disclose the nature of the interest. In accordance with the Council's Code of Conduct, you must then leave the room and must not participate in any further discussion of the item.  Councillors requiring clarification should seek the advice of the Monitoring Officer prior to the day of the meeting.

No declarations of disclosable pecuniary interest were made.

Details of questions should be notified to the Corporate Manager Democratic and Civic Support at least three working days prior to the meeting.  Further information and a copy of the procedure are available from Democratic Services (Committees) (Tel: 01392 265115) and also on the Council web site - https://exeter.gov.uk/councillorsfaq/

None.

To receive questions from Members of the Council to appropriate Portfolio Holders.

None.

To consider the report of the Director.

The Portfolio Holder for Equalities, Diversity and Communities introduced the report which described the public consultation on the proposed Exeter Grants Programme, highlighting feedback themes and proposing a revised Grants Programme to replace the current core, rent, city and grass roots grants. The report included:-

·         The proposed Exeter Grants Programme;

·         The report of the consultant - Red Quadrant;

·         Equalities Impact Assessment : Exeter Community Grants Programme;

·         Equality Impact Assessment - Exeter Community Grants Programme Transition Impacts on previous grant receiving organisations; and

·         Summary of Issues Resulting from the transition from the Old to New Grants Programme.

The Director spoke to the presentation setting out the process for modernising the community and arts grants programmes following the commissioning of Red Quadrant to undertake a review and listening exercise in 2018 and further consultation in March 2019 with community groups and organisations on the draft proposals. A strong consensus had emerged for a single city fund and the Director explained the proposed framework, governance, priorities and timetable for implementation. The presentation, attached to these minutes, detailed the proposed breakdown of the total Community Grant Programme of £1,065,000 into the following five grant categories:

·         Exeter Ward Grants;

·         Exeter Community Buildings Fund;

·         Exeter Small Grants Fund;

·         Exeter Large Grants Fund; and

·         Exeter Move More Small Grants.

The Grants Programme would be resourced by the Neighbourhood Proportion of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), the New Homes Bonus and funds other than the General Fund.

An Independent Information, Advice and Advocacy Service would be created to help and advice residents with a particular focus on increased digital inclusion and an Exeter Voluntary and Community Sector Support Service would be established to provide practical support and training. It would have a key monitoring role in the grant giving process to ensure that application processes are simple and easy to access and encouragement given to underrepresented groups. Crowdfunding and digital platforms would help engender collaboration and new models of delivery. Tender bids would be invited for this process.

The Director further explained that an Exeter Grants Panel, membership to reflect the political make-up of the Council and with two community representatives and advisors would be established, responsible for strategic direction and ensuring that grant awards are made in line with the framework. In addition, a one-off start-up budget of £30,000 would be necessary to commence the initial processes including the commissioning of a simple to use website.

The Leader endorsed the transition to a new grant making process, highlighting the six priorities of:

·         address inequalities;

·         improve health and wellbeing;

·         get people active;

·         support communities working together to address local needs;

·         encourage volunteering; and

·         improve where we live.

He referred to the City Council’s commitment to maintaining a robust grant giving programme for Exeter of over £1million. He also reported that the remaining Exeter Town and Parish Council Grant of £89,367, originally a joint funding initiative with the County Council, had been passed to Exeter City Council, and would be spent to aid the transition arrangements to the new  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.